Travel insurance for snowbirds protects the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who spend winter in warmer climates. Whether you're heading to Florida, Arizona, Mexico, or California, snowbird travel insurance covers extended stays when OHIP and other provincial plans do not. This guide covers snowbird insurance options, the OHIP 212-day rule, and how to stay protected abroad.
Who Are Canadian Snowbirds?
Canadian snowbirds are typically retirees or semi-retirees who spend the winter months—often 3 to 6 months—in warmer destinations. Popular snowbird destinations include:
- Florida (most popular)
- Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson)
- Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, other coastal areas)
- California (Palm Springs, San Diego)
- Texas (Rio Grande Valley)
Snowbird travel insurance is designed for these extended stays. Standard travel insurance for Canadians may have trip length limits; snowbird insurance covers longer periods—often up to 365 days or more.
Why Snowbirds Need Travel Insurance
Provincial health coverage in Canada—OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, AHCIP, and others—provides little or no coverage outside Canada. A medical emergency in the United States can easily cost $50,000 to $500,000 or more. Snowbird travel insurance protects you from catastrophic healthcare costs abroad.
For snowbirds in Florida, Arizona, or anywhere in the US, travel medical insurance is essential. US healthcare is among the most expensive in the world.
The OHIP 212-Day Rule and Snowbirds
Ontario snowbirds must know the OHIP 212-day rule. If you are away from Ontario for more than 212 days in a 12-month period, you may lose your OHIP coverage—and travel insurance policies typically require you to maintain valid provincial health coverage.
What to do: Before leaving for an extended winter stay, contact ServiceOntario to declare your absence. You may be able to extend your OHIP coverage for absences longer than 212 days. Failure to do this can result in losing both OHIP and your private travel insurance coverage.
Quebec (RAMQ), BC (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and other provinces have similar rules. Contact your provincial health office before your snowbird trip.
Snowbird Travel Insurance: Key Features
Extended Trip Length
Snowbird insurance policies cover trips of 30 days to 365+ days. Standard travel insurance may limit trips to 30 days or less. Snowbird travel insurance Canada is built for winter getaways.
Pre-Existing Conditions for Snowbirds
Snowbirds are often 55+ and may have pre-existing conditions—heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and more. Travel insurance for snowbirds with pre-existing condition coverage requires disclosing your health and choosing an insurer with a medical stability period that fits your situation.
Insurance by Mira helps Canadian snowbirds find policies that cover their health profile. Different insurers have different stability periods; the right one matters.
No Age Limit
Many snowbird travel insurance plans have no upper age limit. Whether you're 65 or 85, coverage is available. Insurance by Mira offers policies with no age or trip length limits.
Emergency Medical Coverage
Snowbird travel insurance typically includes:
- Emergency hospital and doctor care
- Ambulance and emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation to Canada
- Prescription medications for emergencies
- COVID-19 coverage (subject to each insurer's terms)
Snowbird Insurance: Florida, Arizona, and Beyond
Travel insurance for snowbirds in Florida and Arizona is in high demand—these are the top destinations. Mexico snowbird insurance is also popular. Coverage works the same regardless of destination: you need emergency medical insurance for Canadians abroad.
US medical costs are extremely high. A hospital stay can cost $10,000+ per day. Snowbird insurance protects your retirement savings.
How to Choose Snowbird Travel Insurance
- Determine your trip length—ensure the policy covers your full stay
- Disclose pre-existing conditions—choose an insurer with the right medical stability period
- Check the OHIP 212-day rule—contact your province if you'll be away 212+ days
- Compare snowbird insurance quotes—premiums vary by age, health, and trip length
- Verify COVID coverage—if important to you, confirm it's included
Snowbird Insurance Cost
Snowbird travel insurance cost depends on your age, health, trip length, and destination. For a 65-year-old on a 4-month Florida stay, expect roughly $500–$1,500+ for the season. Snowbird insurance quotes from multiple providers help you find the best rate.
Conclusion
Travel insurance for snowbirds is essential for Canadians wintering in Florida, Arizona, Mexico, or other warm destinations. Understand the OHIP 212-day rule, disclose pre-existing conditions, and choose snowbird insurance that covers your full stay.
Insurance by Mira helps Canadian snowbirds find the right coverage—no age limit, no trip length limit, and solutions for pre-existing conditions. Contact us at (647) 705-7443 or insurancebymira@gmail.com for a snowbird travel insurance quote.
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